Happier Abroad Forum Community

Hey guys,
Long story short it has been my life goal to move to Russia.I love the women, my father is from Belarus and I love the language- (but only speak it at B1) I really really can't wait to move there . I just need general advice on how to move there and hopefully stay there successfully. I understand going to my local uni and doing a TEFL cert may be the best bet but is there anywhere in Russia needing jobs ASAP with no certs required. I don't necessarily care about being paid, hell, ill probably save about $5000 before moving there just to coachshare or rent a room for a few months. The problem is, I'm so lost on exactly what I should do. Supposing I do go without finishing college first, what's a cheap and secure program, agency where I can find accommodation whether its just simply paying for a room or teaching English in return for room and board. Sorry if this is messy and unorganized. I appreciate all the help

I would first advise you to finish your education and earn a nest egg.

After that, you should get a passport and apply for your visa. When you get your visa, you should schedule some vacation time each summer in Russia. Perhaps a different city each week.

Once you know which places you like, save more money and spend time developing friendships and a girlfriend. If you marry a girl, I believe your path to residency or citizenship will be quick. Very few girls would turn down marriage to an American for green card purposes and even though she might divorce you, you still have the Russian residency.

See a Russian Immigration attorney while you are there for more concrete advice.

Contrarian Expatriate wrote:I would first advise you to finish your education and earn a nest egg.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNfGyIW7aHM[/youtube]

If you really want to leave the US someday, consider majoring in college to become a certified teacher. The degrees like TEFL are a joke and not real teaching certification. If you are a legitimate teacher, you can teach any subject in a foreign country, not just English, and the working conditions will be better.

https://www.tieonline.com/article/86/te ... qualified-

MrPeabody wrote:If you really want to leave the US someday, consider majoring in college to become a certified teacher. The degrees like TEFL are a joke and not real teaching certification. If you are a legitimate teacher, you can teach any subject in a foreign country, not just English, and the working conditions will be better.

https://www.tieonline.com/article/86/te ... qualified-

Forty years ago the teacher certification process in American universities was a joke. Can't imagine it's any better now. Arizona has gone to a system of certifying anyone who can pass a subject matter standardized test, and dispensed with worthless education courses. I assume other states have done the same.

You weren't impressed with your CELTA course in Bangkok? Did you try teaching English and find yourself inadequately prepared? I ask because I'm thinking of taking the CELTA course in Moscow.

I took the CELTA, but never taught. They claim to be super special, but It is still not a real teacher's certification. I personally don't believe the CELTA teaching method is very effective. Read the link I attached for the requirements to teach in a foreign school.

Russia is an amazing country. Great culture, rich souls, passionate open people, etc. I felt more alive there than anywhere else. The vibe was incredible and soul energizing. Can't even put it in words. And the girls so very easy to connect with. So down to earth and intelligent. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that a country could be like that. And none of this is mentioned on any media, mainstream or alternative, except here.

But there are dangers there. The petty crime rate is high. Lots of poor desperate people. And many people don't have much conscience or morals either. They don't mind taking advantage of you or cheating you if you're a foreigner and a stranger. They see it as their right, as sort of a "survival of the fittest" mentality and that "the strong naturally take advantage of the weak" etc.

So you'd best make some good friends there to protect you. Otherwise you need some street smarts. Or you can play it safe and only walk on main streets and not stay out too late.

There are agencies in Russia that will place you with families where you teach English and get free room and board in exchange. I registered with one before. It was based in Izhevsk, a small town where every girl seems to want to get to know you. I'll try to find their website and post it here if I find it.

liliburketron wrote:Hey guys,
Long story short it has been my life goal to move to Russia.I love the women, my father is from Belarus and I love the language- (but only speak it at B1) I really really can't wait to move there . I just need general advice on how to move there and hopefully stay there successfully. I understand going to my local uni and doing a TEFL cert may be the best bet but is there anywhere in Russia needing jobs ASAP with no certs required. I don't necessarily care about being paid, hell, ill probably save about $5000 before moving there just to coachshare or rent a room for a few months. The problem is, I'm so lost on exactly what I should do. Supposing I do go without finishing college first, what's a cheap and secure program, agency where I can find accommodation whether its just simply paying for a room or teaching English in return for room and board. Sorry if this is messy and unorganized. I appreciate all the help

Have you looked into attending a Russian university? You'll be surrounded by young Russian women, make friends, and be able to improve your language skills. You are young, and it's awesome you are thinking ahead wisely. I'm not sure about Russia specifically, but many university programs in non-English speaking countries have degree programs taught entirely in English; if you aren't confident you'd be able to pass classes taught in Russian this could be a great way to meet a girl, make connections, and stay there permanently. Another benefit of Russian unis is that they are usually only 3 years. I think it may take even less than 5 years to receive a Bachelors and a Masters degree.

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you much success!